Lithograph, paper, 42 x 29 cm in light of original passe - partout , 60 x 45 cm (dimensions of original p.p.) ;
made in the 19th century by the museum office "Albertina Facsymiles" in Vienna; signed on the plate AD 1506 m.d.; dry seal of the Albertina Museum p.d.
ALBERTINA FASCYMILES AF, a unique print from the only exceptional edition of Dürer's prints published at the end of the 19th century
century. (Albertina is one of the most important art museums in Austria, holding the largest and most valuable collection of
drawings and prints by Albrecht Dürer).
Albrecht Dürer's painting entitled "Saint Dominic," was created in 1506. It is a work that depicts only
Saint Dominic, one of the most important figures in the history of the Catholic Church, the founder of the Dominican order and the
is part of a series of depictions of saints made by Dürer.
Dürer lived at a time when religion played a central role in social and cultural life. Like many artists
of that era, he often created works with religious themes. Saint Dominic, founder of the Dominican order, was a figure of
particularly revered, especially in intellectual and clerical circles as a symbol of spiritual guidance and
wisdom.
Dürer was personally inspired by Dominican spirituality, which combined intellectualism with deep piety.
It is possible that the artist found in the figure of St. Dominic qualities that were close to his heart, such as a love of learning and
art and spiritual commitment.
In Albrecht Dürer's painting, Saint Dominic is depicted in a fascinating way. Saint Dominic appears
almost permeate the background, suggesting his spiritual unity with his surroundings or transcendence. Such an effect may lend
the figure an unreal, almost ethereal character, enhancing his spiritual aura. It thus introduces an element of
of mysticism to the depiction of the saint.
From a technical point of view, the blurring of the lower part of the figure may be the result of a conscious choice of
artistic choice to use chiaroscuro and color to reduce the visual prominence of the
of that part of the painting. Dürer, known for his precision and technical proficiency, may have used this effect to create a deeper
relationship between the figure and the background, while enhancing the compositional harmony of the painting.
Thanks to such treatments, the painting gains depth and strength of expression, and Saint Dominic is depicted as a character
exuding spiritual authority, whose presence is almost tangible, even though his lower part seems to
fades into the background. The painting's color scheme is dominated by shades of blue. Blue symbolizes heaven and spirituality, which
emphasizes Dominic's holiness. Dürer used subtle tonal transitions in this painting, which gives the figure naturalism and depth, while emphasizing its dignity and serenity.
"Saint Dominic" by Dürer is an example of his mastery of painting technique and his ability to render the
the character and spirituality of the figures depicted. The work is a tribute to Saint Dominic and his contribution to the
development of the Church.
